To make a good decision about what career to follow will mean finding out as much as possible about different jobs.
Knowing the following will be really important:
- What jobs really involve. The good and not so good parts.
- What sort of personal qualities are needed.
- What qualifications are needed.
- What further learning or training is recommended.
- Are there any age restrictions.
- In what sort of environment does the work happen.
This information will help your teenager choose a career that is really going to suit them. And will help them decide the best subjects to take and what sort of further education, higher education and/or training they will need to plan ahead for. Staying in education, or choosing a job with training, will give them better job prospects and earning potential in the long-term.
Encourage your teenager to:
- follow up all their career ideas. In particular, look at the qualifications and training information. We are now in the position where most jobs demand some entry qualifications.
- use the careers resources in school or at the Connexions Centre. There are some great software programs available to help with career choice and up to date careers information. Kudos, Careerscape and Job Explore Database are three examples. Connexions Centres are open during half terms and holidays.
- think about their likes and dislikes, favourite subjects, hobbies and interests. It’s important they choose something they find interesting and stimulating.
- use Futures4me (part of the MyPlan4Life suite of websites) to explore all the post-16 learning and training opportunities available in the West of England.
- use Apprenticeships Online (part of the MyPlan4Life suite of websites) to explore all the apprenticeships available in the West of England.
- think about how and where they want to continue learning or training. There is a wide range of options. They should all be considered at an early stage to allow time to gather information and make early applications. And it’s okay to apply for more than one option at a time.
- keep in touch with Connexions if they are interested in a job or apprenticeship. They will make sure your teenager gets all the current vacancies.
- consider higher education as a future option. Research shows that people with higher skills and qualifications will find it easier to move from job to job. Even if they don’t have a firm career idea, completing a higher education course can give them many advantages in terms of better future prospects.
Deciding what to do can take a lot of time – and a lot of changes of mind. Don’t worry – this is quite normal. There is something out there to suit everyone.
Connexions can help those who have no ideas or too many!
Weblinks
External link: Jobs4u – an online database of practically every career. Everything they need to know including what jobs involve, qualifications and training, and salaries. There’s even a section for adults. Great if you’re considering a career change!
Publications
Moving On – options after Year 11 for young people with a learning difficulty and/or a disability. (coming soon)
Work Matters – what’s happening in the local labour market.
Your Way Forward – Options @16 & 17 – work and learning options.
